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More than 100,000 people demand public inquiry into hate crime after 'bullied' Syrian refugee 'waterboarded' at school

12/06/2018

Donations poured in for Jamal, 15, after he was attacked Almondbury Community School, Huddersfield, with funds reaching almost £160k.

Now, one of the teen's supporters, Dr Shameela Islam-Zulfiqar, has launched a petition calling on the government to launch an inquiry.

In just six days more than 100,000 people have signed in support of a probe into a rise in hate crime and bullying in British schools.

Activist Dr Islam-Zulfiqar said: "Exposing the bullies mobilised the British community to rally support for Jamal and his family.

"There are many other children who are being bullied across the UK daily.

"This has to be tackled better as I believe that every child has the right to feel safe and have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and purpose without fear.

"Hate crime must be rooted out everywhere, but especially within our youth.

"If we don't take evasive measures now we face an epidemic of divisive, intolerant and destructive individuals that will seek to reverse the diverse beauty of our community and social cohesion.

"We can't let that happen. Education is key, especially for bullies."

Home Office figures revealed 1,487 hate crimes were recorded in schools and colleges in 2016-17, up from 568 the previous year.

The shocking viral clip shows Jamal with his arm in a cast being dragged to the floor by his neck as his tormentor says "I'll drown you" on a school playing field.

In an emotional interview, his dad last week said the family would use funds raised from supporters to move away from Huddersfield.

Last week, Jamal thanked supporters and met a group of around 30 concerned people outside his school.

We also revealed the alleged attacker and his family have been forced to flee their Huddersfield home after being targeted by a gang of vigilantes.

Cops admitted they had been forced to put "safeguarding measures" in place to protect the family after groups of men were seen driving up and down the family's street.

The teen has been inundated with death threats on social media – which shows his support for far right group Britain First.

In a handwritten statement to The Sun Online, the youth denied he was a racist – just hours after he was charged with common assault by cops.

He said: "I fully accept responsibility for my actions which I regret but wish to make it clear I was not responsible for breaking his arm, nor had I been bullying him over a period of time as has been reported."

In an ITV interview, Jamal said he did not feel safe at school and has been left traumatised and frightened by the attack.

He said: "I woke up at night and just started crying about this problem. They think I'm different – different from them.

"I don't feel safe at school. Sometimes I say to my dad, 'I don't want to go to school anymore'.

"I was just crying and I didn't do nothing because I respect the school rules."

Both teenagers have said they will no longer attend the school in Huddersfield and have said they are looking into what to do next.

A 16-year-old boy has been interviewed over the attack, and reported for summons for an offence of assault ahead of a youth court appearance.